freshet

[ fresh-it ]

noun

1. a freshwater stream flowing into the sea.
2. a sudden rise in the level of a stream, or a flood, caused by heavy rains or the rapid melting of snow and ice.

freshet

/ ˈfrɛʃɪt /

noun

1. the sudden overflowing of a river caused by heavy rain or melting snow
2. a stream of fresh water emptying into the sea

Word History and Origins

Origin of freshet¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; fresh (noun) + -et

Synonym Study

See flood.

Example Sentences

A large stone set in a secure place surely is a better boundary than a wayward stream whose course is changed by every freshet.

From Project Gutenberg

The road was plainly marked, but the last freshet had sprinkled it with stones, large and small.

From Project Gutenberg

We came down with the tide in the rear of the trunk freshet.

From Project Gutenberg

Horley Bottom, where the hay used to be frequently carried into the river by a June freshet, was now safe from flood.

From Project Gutenberg

And it is a lively stream when there happens to be a freshet and both forks are pouring a flood down into it.

From Project Gutenberg